G-Mac looks to sharpen up for big Fota finish

Graeme McDowell headed for Europe last night determined to turn a corner with his driving and putting as he targets a Ryder Cup spot.

McDowell left Pinehurst bound for the Irish Open — via an early look at British Open venue Royal Liverpool tomorrow — in typically upbeat mood after a closing level-par 70 at the US Open that gave the 34-year-old from Portrush a seven-over finish in the Major championship he won back in 2010.

That gave the Irishman bookends of 68 and 70 but it was the middle portion, rounds of 74 and 75 that had threatened to grind McDowell down.